Hines
American multinational real estate investment, development, and management company specializing in premium commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties globally.
Company Type
private
Founded
1957
Headquarters
Houston, Texas, USA
About Hines
Hines operates as a global real estate company specializing in the investment, development, and management of premium commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties. The company's business model focuses on acquiring high-quality assets in major metropolitan markets and enhancing their value through strategic development and management.
The company manages approximately 216 million square feet of space across its portfolio and employs over 4,600 people worldwide. Hines generates revenue through property management fees, development profits, and investment returns from its real estate portfolio.
The company's portfolio spans multiple property types including office towers, mixed-use developments, residential properties, retail centers, and industrial facilities. Hines maintains a significant presence in major global markets including Houston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Singapore, and Tokyo.
History of Hines
Hines was founded in 1957 by Gerald D. Hines, an American real estate developer with a background in mechanical engineering. Hines initially began as a side-business to an engineering partnership after Gerald D. Hines moved to Houston in 1948. The company started with small projects including warehouses and office buildings.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Hines expanded significantly, developing major mixed-use complexes and office towers. The company developed The Galleria in Houston, a landmark mixed-use complex featuring retail, hotels, and office space that became a model for modern urban development.
In 1983, Hines completed Williams Tower (formerly Transco Tower), a 64-story office tower in Houston designed by renowned architects Johnson and Burgee. The tower became an iconic symbol of Houston's skyline and established Hines as a major developer of premium office properties.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Hines expanded internationally, establishing operations in Europe, Asia, and other major markets. The company developed numerous landmark properties including office towers, mixed-use developments, and residential complexes across major cities worldwide.
In 2021, Hines opened the first tower of CIBC Square in Toronto, a major mixed-use development co-developed with Ivanhoé Cambridge. This project demonstrated Hines' continued focus on creating transformative mixed-use destinations in major metropolitan areas.
Following the passing of founder Gerald D. Hines in August 2020, the company continues to operate under the leadership of Jeff Hines (Chairman) and Laura Hines-Pierce (Co-CEO). Hines has focused on sustainable development, workplace innovation, and mixed-use properties. The company manages 156 developments currently underway around the world and continues to expand its global portfolio.
Brands Owned by Hines
Hines owns 3 brands in our database.
CIBC Square
Owned by Hines
Major mixed-use development in Toronto featuring office towers, residential units, and retail space, co-developed and managed by Hines and Ivanhoé Cambridge.
real-estateofficeresidential
The Galleria
Owned by Hines
Premier upscale mixed-use complex in Houston's Uptown District featuring over 300 fine stores and restaurants, two Westin Hotels, office towers, and an Olympic-size ice skating rink.
real-estateretailmixed-use
Williams Tower
Owned by Hines
Iconic 64-story office tower in Houston's Uptown District, developed and managed by Hines, featuring distinctive neo-Gothic architecture and premium Class A office space.
real-estateofficecommercial
Hines Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Ownership of iconic, globally recognized real estate properties
- +Strong portfolio diversification across multiple markets and property types
- +Significant scale and resources for property development and management
- +Established relationships with major institutional investors and partners
- +Long-term value creation through strategic property acquisitions and development
- +Expertise in mixed-use development and urban transformation
- +Global presence with local market knowledge
Considerations
- -Dependence on real estate market cycles and economic conditions
- -Significant capital requirements for property acquisition and development
- -Regulatory complexity across multiple international markets
- -Competition from other major real estate companies and developers
- -Exposure to interest rate fluctuations affecting property valuations
- -Market sensitivity to commercial real estate demand and occupancy rates
- -Tenant dependency for revenue generation
Frequently Asked Questions About Hines
Is Hines a publicly traded company?
No, Hines is a privately held company. The company is not listed on any public stock exchange and remains under the ownership and control of the Hines family and their partners.
When was Hines founded?
Hines was founded in 1957 by Gerald D. Hines in Houston, Texas. The company began as a side-business to an engineering partnership and has grown into a global real estate powerhouse.
Who founded Hines?
Hines was founded by Gerald D. Hines, an American real estate developer with a background in mechanical engineering. Gerald D. Hines passed away in 2020, but the company continues to operate under the leadership of his successors.
How many properties does Hines own and manage?
Hines has developed, redeveloped, or acquired more than 1,600 properties comprising over 540 million square feet. The company currently manages 685 properties comprising 216 million square feet across 30 countries.
What is Hines' largest property?
While Hines manages numerous major properties, The Galleria in Houston and CIBC Square in Toronto are among the company's most significant mixed-use developments. Williams Tower is one of the company's most iconic office properties.
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